In a brief meeting Wednesday evening, the Douglas County Commission unanimously passed a joint resolution with the city that helps pave the way for a new recreation center in northwest Lawrence.

The ordinance changes the comprehensive plan for the city and the zoning for 146 acres near the intersection of Kansas Highway 10 and U.S. Highway 40. It will go from industrial zoning designation to commercial retail. Scott McCullough, director of planning and development for the city, said that this zone would be best for the proposed recreation center and current neighbors. It would not, he said, allow for big-box retail or manufacturing.

Commissioner Mike Gaughan raised concerns for the area, under a city code in what’s called the West of K-10 plan, if the recreation center didn’t come to fruition. McCullough said in his presentation that the zoning designation was designed with the center in mind but that the city intended to “build a community.”

“We’re not looking at this as an island,” he said.

Commissioners Nancy Thellman and Jim Flory will meet with the city planning department at noon Friday in City Hall. All the commissioners will meet to discuss their thoughts on the proposed county budget starting at 8:30 a.m. Monday on the second floor of the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Mass.